BBC confirms Invictus Games 2016 coverage plans

The BBC has announced coverage plans for its exclusive coverage of the 2016 Invictus Games from Orlando, Florida.

Gabby Logan, Ade Adepitan, Daráine Mulvihill, and Rachael Latham will lead the corporation’s presenting team at the event, with nightly prime-time coverage on BBC One from Monday, May 9, to Friday, May 13.

Highlights will include the best moments from the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as extensive coverage of the competitor events.

The BBC is the exclusive UK broadcast partner for the 2016 Invictus Games, which will feature over 500 competitors from 15 countries and will be held in Orlando, Florida at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

In addition to the daily live programming, BBC One will be putting the stories of the UK Armed Forces Team centre stage through its coverage of the events.

There will also be two special BBC TV documentaries, including The Road To The Games, which will put a spotlight on the inspirational stories of the competitors involved, and follow them as they prepare, with their team-mates and families, for the Games.

BBC One will follow their journeys and meet their families as they try out for the UK Armed Forces team and prepare for the games, under the watchful eye of Prince Harry.

A second documentary will follow the progress of choirmaster Gareth Malone, who has been invited to form a choir made up of wounded, injured or sick ex-servicemen and women that will perform at the 2016 Invictus Games.

The BBC’s extensive coverage of this year’s event follows on from 2014, when the corporation was the host broadcaster of the very first Invictus Games with Prince Harry at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Guy Freeman, Executive Producer, BBC Entertainment and Events says: “We are honoured to be returning as the official UK broadcast partner of the second Invictus Games.

“Each and every competitor has a unique story to tell; but what shines through everyone is the power of the human spirit and camaraderie to overcome adversity which can’t help but inspire.”

Dominic Reid, Managing Director of the Invictus Games Foundation, says: “The support from the BBC during the inaugural Invictus Games was instrumental in telling the stories of our inspirational competitors.

“So it’s fantastic that it will again be throwing its full weight behind the Games.

“I’m thrilled that the BBC is continuing to shine a light on how important sport is in the rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.”

Throughout the week of 9 May, a stellar presenting team made up of experts in their field will bring viewers all the latest drama and emotion from Orlando in a combination of both live and reported coverage.

The weeknight shows will be broadcast in peak-time slots, with BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan leading the team in presenting live studio coverage from Orlando each weeknight of the games.

Commenting on her involvement with the BBC’s coverage, Logan said: “I am honoured and excited to be bringing audiences at home all the latest drama and excitement from the 2016 Invictus Games.

“It will be amazing to support all the competitors, to hear their stories and to shine a light on their phenomenal achievements.”

Other presenters include former Paralympic wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan, sports presenter Daráine Mulvihill and former Paralympic swimmer Rachael Latham, all three of whom have played a key part in Channel 4’s para-sport coverage since London 2012.

Seasoned sports commentators Eddie Butler, Mike Costello, Mike Sewell and Chris Mitchell will also be involved with the BBC’s coverage of the sporting events at the Games.